How to be the Next Woman in Politics

Women have always been misrepresented, especially in politics. According to CAWP (Center for American Women and Politics), there are only 84 women in the House of Representatives, 21 women in the Senate, and 105 women in Congress. That accounts for 19.3% in the House, 21% in the Senate, and 19.6% in Congress. We have to do better. The image above is Kamala Harris, the junior United States Senator of California. Before she was a senator, she was the Attorney General of California.

We need more women like her. Interested? Here’s how:

Start Small.

Everyone has to start somewhere and for politicians, that usually starts with your local office. Unless you’re Donald Trump, and you decide to go ahead and run for President. All of the qualifications necessary depend on where you live. For example, I live in Richmond, VA, so I’d have to follow the necessary rules and procedures listed here.

Grow Bigger

Are you in local office? Have you been in local office? For this article’s sake, say you are now the Mayor of Richmond, VA, but you’re interested in more. There are a number of roads you can take. Are you interested in a more executive role? Run for Governor. A Legislative role? Run in your next Senate election. Again, every state’s requirements are different so the instructions for me are different than for you. Don’t let that stop you, though!

The Oval Office

The first female President. That’s what we need. That’s what we want. Men have had the White House since 1776 and by the looks of it, we need a change. There are specific qualifications needed to be President like: above the age of 35, a natural born citizen, as well as living in the United States for 14 years. All of those boxes checked? Next step is to raise at least $5000 dollars and register as an official candidate with the FEC. You’re now a candidate, and once you are one, that’s when the ball gets rolling. Make sure you get on every state’s ballots (contact the state’s Secretary of State for more information) and start making friends. Lots of friends.